Die Zusammenarbeit zwischen Alber und imc entstand auf Grund der langjährigen Erfahrung seitens imc mit dem Aufbau von E-Motoren-Prüfständen für Lenkhilfemotoren, die ebenfalls im allgemeinen mit 2 Laststrängen ausgestattet sind. Weiterhin war das Prüfkonzept und die Prüfstandautomatisierung auf Basis von imc STUDIO, die dem Kunden einen einfache Funktionserweiterung ermöglicht und die große Erfahrung von imc im Bereich der Messdatenanalyse, speziell auf dem Gebiet der Elektromotoren, entscheidend.]]>news-46Wed, 04 Oct 2017 17:13:00 +0200New multi-bus data loggerhttp://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/presse/neuer-multibus-datenlogger-imc-busdaqflex/ With the new imc BUSDAQflex data logger, imc Meßsysteme GmbH is offering a new multi-bus logger that can directly acquire data from all relevant vehicle and machine buses. Modern networking possibilities via WLAN/UMTS allow a wireless connection: whether to a tablet or directly to the Internet of Things (IoT).news-45Wed, 04 Oct 2017 17:04:00 +0200imc integrates CAN FD into measurement systemshttp://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/presse/imc-integriert-can-fd-in-messsysteme/ In order to be ready for the future, imc Meßsysteme GmbH is expanding its portfolio of interfaces for field and vehicle buses with the new CAN FD bus. The imc CAN FD interface is now available for all imc measurement devices. news-44Mon, 23 Jan 2017 14:21:00 +0100From Big Data to Smart Data with imc FAMOS 7.2http://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/von-big-data-zu-smart-data-mit-imc-famos-72/ imc Meßsysteme GmbH is releasing version 7.2 of the imc FAMOS signal analysis software. In addition to new functions for matrix calculations, interval determination and nonlinear curve adaptation, an optional database package is available to users. It allows the connection of existing databases as data source and data sink. imc FAMOS extends the possibilities to import large volumes of data from existing databases and to analyze them automatically. This makes it even more comfortable for users to go from “Big Data” to “Smart Data”.New analysis functions ensure more productive analysis processes: For example, users can now adjust measurement data to curves (“curve fitting”). The approximation is based on the Gauss-Newton algorithm with a step-width control, based on Levenberg-Marquardt.

Thanks to the new interval functions in imc FAMOS 7.2, periodic processes can be precisely fractionized into their individual intervals, even with variable period lengths. Thus, characteristic values can be determined for the individual intervals, e.g., the timing of an internal-combustion engine.

In addition to the new analysis functions, the new version is characterized above all by being more user-friendly. For example, the function list has been re-grouped and a search function has been added to search for functions and topics.

“Frequently, users are looking for the right function for a certain task. The new search feature will help them in that it lists all the functions that are suitable for the search term. This ensures the best possible overview and saves time”, says Oliver Abendschön, Product Manager for imc FAMOS at imc Test & Measurement GmbH.

Another special feature of the new imc FAMOS 7.2 version is the direct querying of internet resources. For example, geographical data from online mapping services, Standards from internet pages or user data from a name directory can be queried and used in calculations and reports.

]]>news-38Wed, 30 Sep 2015 14:00:00 +0200With imc and the power of the sunhttp://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/mit-imc-und-der-kraft-der-sonne-durchs-outback/ Nuon Solar Team uses imc µ-CANSAS modules to test the new solar car for the race in the Australian Outback (18-25 Oct., 2015).A technical challenge for ambitious students: The Nuon Solar Team (Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands) is preparing their newly built Nuna8 solar car for the World Solar Challenge. The solar powered race of 3000 km, straight through the outback of Australia, is taking place from 18 – 25 October, 2015. Every team starts from scratch, building a custom made vehicle within the constraints imposed by the organization. In little over a year, the team designs, builds, tests and races the vehicle. When it comes to testing, the Nuon Solar Team chooses imc modules.

Solar energy streams – measured with imc modules

The imc µ-CANSAS modules play a crucial role in the energy management of the solar car Nuna8. It is of utmost importance to accurately know the incoming and outgoing energy during the race. How much energy is delivered by the solar panels, how much energy went to the battery and how much energy went to and from the motor?

For the race strategy these are important questions to answer if you want to be as efficient as possible. In Nuna8 the energy streams are continuously measured by imc µ-CANSAS modules. These modules accurately convert analog voltages into digital CAN-bus data. The currents are measured by means of the small voltage drops across shunt resistors. imc µ-CANSAS modules are available with one channel and with four channels. The single channel module is so small, it can be built into the battery module of Nuna8.

]]>news-16Wed, 20 May 2015 10:12:00 +0200imc takes a share in CAEMAXhttp://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/presse/pressearchiv/pressearchiv-2015/pressemitteilung-imc-beteiligt-sich-an-caemax/ imc Meßsysteme GmbH has taken a stake in the Munich-based sensor and telemetry specialist, CAEMAX Technologie GmbH.news-30Wed, 01 Apr 2015 09:22:00 +0200imc upshifts in Beneluxhttp://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/benelux-imc-schaltet-in-den-naechsten-gang/ Strengthening imc’s role in the global measurement market The Benelux market for test and measurement solutions has considerable development potential. Lately, imc Meßsysteme GmbH has expanded its presence in the Benelux region. Thus, imc has given additional momentum to its international growth plans.

Until recently, imc has been represented by its partner Daqpoint Benelux B.V. In order to shift the successful partnership into the next gear, imc and Daqpoint have joined forces: Daqpoint Benelux B.V. is now an imc subsidiary. As of March 2015, customers will see the new name imc Test & Measurement B.V.

“The merger of our two companies will bring extensive value to our customers and enables us to grow more rapidly. When speeding up, you have to shift gears, and that's exactly what we did”, says Ruud Overgaauw, Managing Director of the new imc Test & Measurement B.V.

The new imc location in Gorinchem, NL, not only provides ample space for the growing company, but also has a training facility. Customers from Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxemburg are directly supported by the Benelux office.

]]>news-17Fri, 06 Mar 2015 07:19:00 +0100Research and test center in Indiahttp://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/forschungs-und-testcenter-in-indien/ imc Partner ATS and Amrita University open test centerIn Coimbatore, South India, the renowned Amrita University has established together with the imc Partner, ATS, the "Amrita Automotive Research & Technology Centre (AARTC)" as a joint venture contract to productively exploit the synergies between industry and academia. So far, the AARTC is the only institution of its kind in South India.

On approximately 4,000 square meters, students and faculty can test and research: the testing center offers a complete infrastructure for vehicle evaluation, motor testing, NVH equipment as well as test vehicles, internal combustion engine test stands and a roller chassis dynamometer. Projects in the fields of development of powertrains and hybrid vehicles, as well as studies on driving dynamics and performance can now be used at their convenience by the University. In addition, simulations on the subject of vehicle dynamics and powertrain are possible. The simulation can even be coupled to the engine test benches. This is a win-win situation for students and industry: while the future engineers are allowed to conduct research with high-quality equipment and receive important practical experience, companies like ATS benefit from the research project results and can use this to their advantage when dealing with their employees or future customers. The test center is led by Prof. Dr. Thirumalai (Department of Mechanical Engineering).

For ten years already, imc Meßsysteme GmbH has been working with the partner company ATS India. The headquarters of ATS India is located in Delhi with branch offices in Pune, Chennai and Bangalore.

With motivation comes movement. Keeping this in mind, imc presents the “Excellence Award” to those partners who have displayed outstanding distributor achievements. With many differences between global sales partnerships, it is difficult to make comparisons – however, there are certain teams that stand out. For the 2014 business year, Ralf Winkelmann (International Head of Sales), presented three such awards.

imcAccess, China

The Chinese team of imcAccess was pleased to receive the award for "Sales Performance". Ralf Winkelmann summarizes: "For years, the imcAccess team has been at the top of the export list when it comes to our foreign partners. Compared to the year before, the Chinese team not only achieved an increase in orders of nearly 70%, but they also significantly increased their active customer base. For their efforts, they have demonstrated that they have a strong sales and marketing team. Thus, imcAccess has laid a good foundation for the future and for further growth in China."

The Chinese imcAccess team

KOSTECH, Korea

2014 was also a good year for the Korean partner, KOSTECH. They have demonstrated excellence particularly in the acquisition of new business, and for this, they received the Excellence Award in the category of "Business Development". Already since 2010, the Korean team has managed to continue to increase their sales results. Despite the strong pressures by competitors in the Korean market, the 2014 orders from KOSTECH more than doubled.

The Korean KOSTECH team

Jean-Pierre Guillard, France

Today, if you take a look back on the sales success of the French partner, you will find a strong asso-ciation to one name: Jean-Pierre Guillard. This sales engineer, who has been successfully selling imc products and solutions for many years in France, decided late last year to start his well-deserved retirement and leave imc Johne & Reilhofer. For his achievements in the building and developing of the French market within the imc Johne & Reilhofer team, Ralf Winkelmann presented Jean-Pierre Guillard with the "Lifetime Achievement Award".

]]>news-28Tue, 16 Sep 2014 09:53:00 +0200Providing a key piece of the digital puzzlehttp://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/ein-zentrales-puzzlestueck-im-imc-webauftritt/ imc Partner EUROAMERICA launches new websiteWith the new imc website being offered in Spanish, the Mexican partner, EUROAMERICA, inserts a key piece of the puzzle into the imc-digital world: www.imc-mexico.com

The potential reach of imc is significantly increased with the www.imc-mexico.com. In Mexico, there are around 110 million Spanish-speakers and in 21 countries, it is the official language. Information covering the entire imc test and measurement product portfolio, application examples and current events are now available in Spanish on the imc Mexican website.

"It’s good to know that with the new website, we are now able to use the digital world to pick up potential new customers. As a distributor of high-quality technical solutions, a key element of customer communications is to provide comprehensive information in the local language", said Edwin Reichel, managing director of EUROAMERICA and responsible for the sales of imc-products in Mexico.

]]>news-27Fri, 08 Aug 2014 17:33:00 +0200Freshly paintedhttp://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/frisch-gestrichen/ New look of imc measurement devices reflects corporate identityIn the coming weeks, all imc measurement systems will be receiving a new, uniform appearance their functionality and technology, of course, will remain the same. Displaying the color scheme of the company’s corporate design, imc measurement devices will now form a remarkable visual unit. Sharing a consistent design language across all channels strengthens the brand identity and facilitates recognition – from the website and trade show displays, all the way to the product design. With their blue handles, as well as blue-red imc bands and white product names, the updated appearance of the measurement systems visually indicates a clear belonging to the imc device family.]]>news-26Wed, 16 Jul 2014 10:04:00 +0200New: imc FAMOS 7.0http://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/neu-imc-famos-70/ Analyze huge quantities of data with imc FAMOS 7.0 In the new signal analysis software version, imc FAMOS 7.0, the priority has been placed on efficiency – improved measurement data analysis and presentation means gains in productivity for the user. Accurately filtering out, analyzing and visualizing results (Smart Data) from enormous amounts of test data (Big Data) is the key to reaching your measurement goals. This productive analysis tool plays a crucial role. “With the new 64 bit version of the signal analysis software, imc FAMOS 7.0, we made many significant changes that allow for the operation processes to mesh more smoothly when it comes to data analysis, thus, allowing our customers to turn Big Data to Smart Data”, says Stefan Hippe, head of imc FAMOS development.

With its customizable GUI, imc FAMOS 7.0 has been precisely designed to meet the changing requirements of test and measurement technicians. By simply using Drag & Drop, tool windows can be freely positioned allowing for an optimized workspace.

Two unique features of the new imc FAMOS 7.0 version are the direct integration of the imc Data Browser and imc Panel within the user interface: easily load measurements at the push of a button, quick viewing and comparing of measurements, flexible representations of the test data, comparing measurements against reference curves, create custom displays with curve windows, dialogs and stored evaluation sequences – all these added functions now make data analysis even simpler. Additionally, the imc Curve Window also delivers new functionality - for example, the display of GPS data on a map. In the new version 7.0, the map data is loaded automatically from the internet.

]]>news-25Wed, 18 Jun 2014 10:29:00 +0200Digital Dynamism in the Year of the Horse http://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/digitale-dynamik-im-jahr-des-pferdes/ Chinese branch imcAccess presents its new websiteThe Chinese calendar’s Year of the Horse stands for dynamism, drive and vigor– all of which are reflected in the results achieved by the Chinese branch imcAccess. With the new Chinese website www.imc-china.com, the company provides customers with in-depth content along with high usability, while featuring the recognizability of imc’s distinctive corporate design.

This will raise the brand’s profile both in the Chinese market and on the international stage. “The new Chinese website is an important milestone for imc – after all, over a billion people speak the language, and China has always been one of our major markets” says Ralf Winkelmann, Sales Manager of imc Meßsysteme GmbH.

Over the last twelve years, Chinese high-speed trains, vehicle manufacturing and power production have undergone massive development. Before innovative new products can be introduced, they are subjected to exhaustive testing. For many demanding measurement tasks, the tools of choice were products and solutions from imc. In particular, the technical consulting and on-site service provided by the competent imcAccess team are of decisive value to imc’s Chinese customers.

]]>news-5Mon, 07 Apr 2014 09:44:00 +0200New edition of the imc C-SERIES compact measurement systems http://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/neue-edition-der-imc-c-serie/ At the SENSOR+TEST 2013 trade show in Nuremberg, Germany, imc Meßsysteme GmbH will introduce its comprehensively revamped next generation of intelligent compact measurement systems. The new edition of imc C-SERIES offers improved and expanded wireless access capabilities plus new data storage and device networking options. This makes the process of acquiring physical measurements more convenient, enabling the user to obtain measurement results and achieve solutions sooner and more efficiently. The new systems come with a wide range of innovative features while retaining their excellent cost-benefit ratio.

-> Read more on the new edition of imc C-SERIES]]>news-8Mon, 07 Apr 2014 09:43:00 +0200imc CANSAS-SENT: The “converter” for automobile testinghttp://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/imc-cansas-sent-der-uebersetzer-im-auto/ Providing a gateway from SENT to CANSince Babylonian times, translators have been well sought after to make sense out of foreign languages. This also applies to the transmission of measurement data within vehicle systems. As with the various “languages” from BUS systems communicating with the electronic control unit (ECU), a suitable module needed to be developed to allow “translation” of these signals to be read by measurement systems during testing. The compact imc CANSAS-SENT module now provides a straightforward gateway for converting digital SENT signals directly to CAN.

The new module makes SENT sensors directly accessible to any data acquisition, testing or automation system that supports the recording of CAN data. The advantage: SENT sensors can be seamlessly integrated into a system with different signals – together with analog signals and other vehicle busses. imc CANSAS-SENT is a simple tool that supports the testing processes of sensors, as well as the development and testing phases of control units in the vehicle.

SENT – the new digital interfaceSENT stands for Single Edge Nibble Transmission. SENT is a relatively new digital interface for intelligent, active sensors with internal digitization and allows for a cost-effective and flexible replacement of conventional analog sensors. The aim of the SENT protocol was to increase durability/quality and to reduce the complexity when transferring data from the sensor to the control unit (ECU).

Passive monitoringOne particularly special feature of the imc CANSAS-SENT is “passive monitoring”. Wired parallel to the existing setup between a SENT sensor and a control device (e.g., ECU), the imc CANSAS-SENT module not only provides the gateway (conversion) to a CAN signal output, but it also won’t interfere with the existing communications of the test object. That is, it allows a reactionless (passive) monitoring of the signal. The transmission can quietly be listened to without disturbing or interfering with it.

Measurement combinationsAs a member of the imc CANSAS family, the module is optimally designed to work with other data acquisition systems. In addition, the imc CANSAS software provides the user with convenient adjustment.

]]>news-4Mon, 07 Apr 2014 09:40:00 +0200Measurement and Simulation in one Systemhttp://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/messtechnik-und-simulation-vereint-in-einem-system/ imc HiL erlaubt produktive Hardware-in-the-Loop-PrüfungenSimulation is a key aspect of modern automotive development today. This places additional demands on the measurement systems used in testing and calls for a comprehensive solution for measurement, control, regulation and simulation united in one system.

imc Meßsysteme GmbH (manufacturer), together with its partnerIndian partner ATS, introduces imc HiL, a turnkey solution for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL), bringing together trials performed in the real, physical world with simulation. In the words of Dr. Franz Hillenbrand, who heads development at imc:

“Along with efficient measurement tools, the HiL method is gaining considerable importance within our customers’ development departments. It enables early, reproducible testing that leads to significant reductions in development time. With our imc HiL product we’re offering a solution that brings together data acquisition, control, regulation and simulation in one measurement system. This simplifies use and boosts the productivity of our customers.”

For integration of simulated components or environmental models into the measurement setup, imc HiL is based on the industry-wide standard MatLab/Simulink. Models created in this environment are directly integrated into the measurement system and executed in real time on an embedded processor inside the measurement hardware – synchronous to the measurement of real physical quantities.

The modular imc CRONOScompact measurement system is the basis of the imc HiL measurement solution. It manages all inputs and outputs, allows calculation and analysis in real time and saves measurement and analysis data. With its modular design, imc CRONOScompact can be optimally adapted to any measurement task. Its various amplifiers and modules allow direct connection of all common analog sensors and busses.

imc CRONOScompact becomes a particularly productive solution when used together with its software platform imc STUDIO. This intelligent software platform makes the complete system ready-to-run immediately, without any need for programming whatsoever, supporting the user in a range of tasks, from data simple acquisition, control and regulation through to automation of complete test stands with integrated HiL simulation.]]>news-2Mon, 07 Apr 2014 09:40:00 +0200imc CANSAS-IGN: Ignition Timing Measurementhttp://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/neues-zuendwinkelmessmodul-imc-cansas/ Self contained ignition angle, time, and speed measurement module with CAN-Bus outputThe imc CANSAS-IGN ignition timing measurement module is a compact measurement unit which provides universally compatible CAN-Bus outputs of RPM and per-cylinder ignition timing for any spark-ignited engine up to 12 cylinders.

More about imc CANSAS-IGN

]]>news-7Mon, 07 Apr 2014 09:39:00 +0200imc Participates in EU Research Projecthttp://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/imc-beteiligung-an-eu-forschungsprojekt/ Condition Monitoring and Predictive MaintenanceWithin the framework of the EU-funded research project "iMAIN", imc is participating in research on innovative concepts for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.

The Background

Machinery, such as large hydraulic presses, are extremely expensive and can hold key strategic importance when it comes to production usage. If these types of machines fail due to a defect or overload, a company can incur enormous costs and can cripple entire production lines. Thus, this suggests that these machines should be continuously monitored to detect their condition, that is, their "state of health". This makes it possible to detect wear and impending failure before a breakdown. This is the basic idea behind "condition monitoring" - using modern measurement technology to greatly increase the potential gains in reliability and cost savings.

With intelligent analysis strategies, one isn't restricted to simply carrying out the maintenance after the machinery has already broken down ("reactive"), nor is one required to perform the maintenance unnecessarily early ("preventative"). Instead, it would be ideal to know the stress and load history, and be able to predict when a possible threat will arise. Naturally, this type of "predictive maintenance" strategy opens up possibilities to introduce a variety of innovative ideas.

The Research Project "iMAIN"

Funded by the EU Commission and in line with the "Seventh Framework Programme", the international research project "iMAIN" is pursuing exactly this challenge of predictive maintenance. Involved from the imc team, Director of Development Dr. Franz Hillenbrand and product marketing expert Martin Riedel worked together with a consortium of companies and institutes from Spain, Sweden, Slovenia and the Fraunhofer Institute in Chemnitz. Taking care of the test and measurement needs of the team, imc was responsible for providing an autonomous platform for data acquisition and analysis.

Concepts for Live Simulation

Very promising concepts for performing live-simulations using so-called "virtual sensors" should help to assist in the determination of load profiles on especially vulnerable components.

For example, by using only a few "actual" strain gauge sensors, the load profile of the massively loaded stand-structure of the press can be determined. The simulation method increases the breadth of coverage of the monitoring, minimizes sensor costs and also allows for the analysis of critical, even inaccessible, internal locations.

The eMaintenance Cloud

Other focal points of the project can be found in system networking over Internet platforms. An "eMaintenance cloud" allows, for example, not only flexible access and administration, but also brings together the user, service specialists, manufacturers and research experts. This is done through the exchange of data. Thus, all benefit from the continuously growing knowledge base.

In addition to the integration of multiple sensors and signal sources, as well as protocols and communication of machine control, wireless sensors are a particular important part of the concept. These are to be used for measurements at inaccessible and moving parts of the machine. They are developed by the Spanish project partner, ADVANTICSYS, and integrated in a homogeneous system structure.

IntegratedApproaches Are Needed

Integrated real-time-capable signal analysis and simulation are approaches in physical test and measurement technology that imc has been practicing for quite some time. imc can not only use this expertise within the project, but at the same time, explore new aspects for further development.

The Pilot Plant

A first pilot plant is being installed at the Slovenian home appliance manufacturer, Gorenje. It monitors an 800-ton press that is being used by a project partner. Thus, this is not only a step on the way to the "Industry 4.0" - which fills this ever-present slogan with content and makes it tangible - but it is also a very concrete step to more productive and efficient solutions. Contributing to these are intelligent test and measurement solutions from imc.

Effective August 1st, 2013, imc DataWorks, the U.S. arm of imc Meßsysteme GmbH has centralized all U.S. operations in the Novi, Michigan office, ending our 11 year Madison, Wisconsin area presence.

"This move allows us to centralize our operations and more effectively support customer applications, while enhancing our already strong commitment to provide excellent customer service" says Ralf Winkelmann, President of the U.S. subsidiary of imc.

Versatility, efficiency and Swiss precision – the new business jet from Pilatus

At the “European Business Aviation Conference and Exposition” (EBACE) in Geneva, Pilatus unveiled the PC-24, the world’s first “Super Versatile Jet”. While being a completely new development, the PC-24 reflects all of Pilatus’ traditional values of versatility, efficiency and Swiss precision for the first time in a business jet. This innovative development by the aircraft manufacturer from Stans, Switzerland, creates a new segment in the business aviation market: the PC-24 is the first to come standard with a freight hatch and to be able to start from and land on very short, even natural runways. Furthermore, the jet has an extremely roomy cabin which can be customized to personal requirements. This is what makes it a “Super Versatile Jet”, capable of deployment in a variety of ways to meet unique needs.

Intelligent and reliable handling of large volumes of measurement and video data – in the air and on the ground

Before the PC‐24 is certified and can eventually be delivered to the customer, Pilatus performs comprehensive testing. Together with imc, a solution has been designed in which three test planes are equipped with imc measurement systems. The imc systems capture all analog input variables from a large variety of sensors and signals that cover the entire plane, plus digital data from communication busses of the aircraft system. The special feature: for two out of three planes, the data acquisition systems even integrate video data capture. To cover the flight control systems and pilots interactions, control screens from the cockpit are monitored by video cameras. These video data are captured synchronously with all other measured data, processed, streamed and stored by one integrated uniform system.

But beyond these demanding performance requirements in terms of acquisition speed and synchronized processing of mixed signals from analog, digital, control bus and image sources, flight tests are challenged with additional needs and demands for test procedures. As these tests are extremely complex and expensive, both the measurement results and the test proceedings require monitoring and live supervision during the flight in order to react and adapt to ongoing events. To achieve such flexibility and direct response, the test system allows live streaming of relevant measurement data from the aircraft to a ground control station where they can be displayed, evaluated, analyzed and stored. The imc system applies PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) telemetry, prevalent and well proven in the aerospace field, to transmit these multi domain data to the tracking station. This allows test engineers and technicians to directly monitor the test and achieve maximum efficiency and benefit – ultimately saving time, money and extracting maximum knowledge about the aircraft system to be analyzed and optimized.

Naturally, real-time display of measured data is possible both on board the plane and at the ground control station – which constitutes an important degree of flexibility. Redundant data integrity is provided by the blackbox functionality of the imc measurement systems in the aircraft, allowing local storage in conjunction with simultaneous telemetry transmissions to ground control.

The project solution is based on various measurement systems belonging to the imc CRONOS series that are operating in an integrated, synchronized and networked configuration. Decentralized imc CANSAS modules, installed in distributed topologies, close to sensor locations, complement the system. The measurement software is the proven modular platform imc STUDIO, which has been supplemented with aeronautics instrumentation widgets.

imc will continue to support and facilitate Pilatus’ aircraft manufacturing operations with comprehensive service work surrounding the measurement instrumentation of the prototypes.

Since 1988, imc has been blazing the trail when it comes to integrated measurement and open- and closed-loop control. Technological vision and a constant innovative drive, as well as the essential purpose of developing tools for productive testing, are the foundations for 25 years of continuing growth and success. And the fact that imc isn’t resting on its laurels, but is keeping its momentum going forward, is demonstrated by trial measurements on board both the world’s fastest serial production car and the next generation of high-speed trains. Complex projects of this kind represent the culmination of practically all of the company’s technological achievements over the years providing comprehensive solutions for the customer.

Instant and reliable measurement results, captured in full motion

A compelling example of this is provided by recently completed testing of high-speed trains in Asia. Before the new fleet can be green lighted, the trains need to absolvesurpass comprehensive testing. The solution developed by imc is based on a robust and distributed real-time measurement system used for testing of mechanical and electric components. Test engineers capture and monitor measurement data from over 2,000 analog channels, as well as simultaneously record information with the acquisition of raw data. Online computations and analysis are performed in parallel with the acquisition of the raw data.

The results of such calculations provide an excellent real-time overview of the train’s current status, as well as of its individual components. This extends far beyond the information content of single measurement values. By means of these calculations and through correlation with the data from all areas throughout the 250 meters of the train’s length, precise information on the operating conditions of whole functional units can be obtained.

Not only railway sector, but also the automobile industry, aerospace, the energy sector, and the mechanical engineering field appreciate the features of imc systems – such as distributive architectures, real-time capabilities, networkability, synchronization, rugged and compact design, and their ability to run in stand-alone operation.

]]>news-19Mon, 07 Apr 2014 09:36:00 +0200Winning solar car features imc moduleshttp://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/solarauto-faehrt-mit-imc-modulen-zum-sieg/ imc µ-CANSAS V1 modules helped the Dutch Nuon Solar Team to win the 2013 World Solar ChallengeThe Dutch Nuon Solar Team finished as the winner of the 2013 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia with their Nuna7 solar car. The team had already won four times and with this fifth victory they are the absolute world record holder. The light-weight and robust imc µ-CANSAS V1 CAN-bus modules provided by imc played a significant role in the incredibly important energy management.

The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge

This 3,000 km long race, straight through the Australian Outback, is renowned for pushing the boundaries of sunlight powered cars. Every two years, more than 30 teams from universities all over the world take on the challenge to race from Darwin to Adelaide, putting their innovations and technology to the extreme test.

A masterpiece of engineering

This year’s edition of the race was radically different from previous races. New regulations required the car to drive on four wheels instead of just three, as was the case in all previous editions. As a result, the car had to be designed completely from scratch by the students from the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. It all started roughly two years ago, when the team began the designing of the car. All systems were newly designed, the aerodynamics were perfected and eventually, by carefully laminating and fitting the carbon layers, the team was able to create an incredibly solid but light solar car weighing just 145 kilograms. While this is just the outside, the inside of the car features a plethora of advanced and top-notch equipment. Think about a 98% efficient electrical motor, allowing the car to recover kinetic energy through regenerative breaking. Since the car uses a CAN-bus based electric system it was easy to incorporate the three light and robust imc data acquisition modules.

Beyond battery measurement

The imc µ-CANSAS V1 CAN-bus modules in Nuna7 accurately measured analog voltages and converted them into CAN-messages. These monitored voltages allowed the team to have a real-time and very accurate view of the incoming and outgoing energy. Such measurement data generated insights that were essential to the team’s strategy and tactical operations during the race. This accurate measurement of the energy flows in the car turned out to be key in winning this race.

Concentrators

The Nuna7 team incorporated so called ‘concentrators’ - extra panels with lenses that concentrate sunlight on tiny, extremely efficient, solar cells by a factor of 1100. These panels were carried under the hood of the car and put into action during the mandatory 30 minute pit stops, to charge the car more quickly than the competition could. The imc support and equipment allowed the Nuon Solar Team to perform all necessary analysis. The Nuna7 won the 2013th edition of the race to Adelaide with an average speed of 90.71 km/h.

(c) Copyright: Solar vehicle pictures: Nuon Solar Team

]]>news-18Mon, 07 Apr 2014 09:36:00 +0200The lord of the rings – testing with imchttp://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/der-herr-der-ringe-gemessen-mit-imc/ imc measurement systems used at the 2013 Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp In order for gymnasts to deliver maximum performance, the gymnastic equipment must also be constantly optimized. What forces are acting upon the materials? How should equipment be designed to perform in perfect harmony with the athletes? To answer these questions, tests are required. The sporting equipment manufacturer Janssen-Fritsen has recognized these needs, and together with the imc partner Daqpoint, has successfully incorporated imc test and measurement systems to do just that. As part of the 2013 Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp, Janssen-Fritsen demonstrated exactly how synchronous measurement and video data could be recorded and visualized to optimize performance.

During the testing, focus was placed on a gymnast performing the rings event. Force and momentum are the main elements in this exercise. The test setup consisted of two force sensors attached to the rings. The imc C-SERIES measurement device captured every movement of the gymnast. With a camera synchronously capturing video data, both the gymnast’s symmetry, as well as asymmetry, were recorded while performing on the rings. The signals from the force sensors, as well as the video data, were synchronously captured and visualized using imc STUDIO measurement software.

Utilizing imc measurement systems givers Janssen-Fritsen an excellent opportunity to optimize the corresponding sports equipment and, of course, allows the gymnast and coaching team the chance to observe the signal optimization of the exercise. For example, the gymnast can find out if the forces exerted are distributed evenly over the rings or whether force wasting effects are occurring that make the performance inefficient. In addition, the gymnast and trainer can also observe whether there actually exists “rest in the rings” or whether small corrections should be made. In the future, test and measurement techniques will provide additional leverage to allow the gymnast to swing to new athletic heights in the field of gymnastics.

]]>news-14Mon, 07 Apr 2014 09:35:00 +0200imc measurement devices with their own homepagehttp://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/imc-messsysteme-mit-eigener-homepage/ New imc measurement devices can now be equipped with the imc REMOTE WebServer.The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the newest tech terms being tossed around and refers to networking machinery and even components through the internet - also known as Industry 4.0. As a pioneer of this development since 1995, imc Meßsysteme GmbH has offered a variety of networking solutions via Ethernet, WLAN or 3G/4G, including remote access to measurement devices and data.

]]>news-22Mon, 07 Apr 2014 09:35:00 +0200FORD Europe banks on imc http://www.imcdataworks.comnews-events/news/news/a/detail/News/31-neue-messgeraete-fuer-ford/ 31 new measurement systems for FORD - reliability both on test drives and in the test rigAlready since 2003, FORD has been testing the performance of its cars’ HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) using imc CRONOS systems. Toward this end, up to 300 analog measurement channels, mainly thermocouples, are set up throughout the vehicle. Once equipped with their sensors, the vehicles are sent to the wind tunnel (test rig) or on a test drive. The test vehicles and their sensor equipment are either exposed to winter proving trials where they are cooled down to -40°C or are heated up to 80° for summer proving trials.

The newly ordered imc CRONOScompact are the second generation and have the additional task of performing high-voltage measurements of E-mobility.

Eliminating re-tooling time

FORD enjoys the convenience and time savings provided by the ability to connect the test drive vehicles via Ethernet directly to the test rig instrumentation. All connected measurement channels can be visualized and saved directly at the PC.

Along with the imc CRONOScompact systems, FORD has also ordered imc CANSAS modules and an application for simplified parameterizing from imc.